An off-duty Birmingham firefighter is being lauded for helping to prevent tragedy Sunday.
Michael Sullivan of Birmingham Fire and Rescue Service posted on Facebook that he was on his way to his son's house when he stopped at a traffic light on Airport Road and Tallapoosa Street. He noticed a large truck going forward and then in reverse, about to hit several cars.
Sullivan saw that the driver was passed out. He hopped out of his vehicle and rushed to help. He was able to get the truck's door open and turn of the engine. He put on the parking brake and took the keys out of the vehicle.
He and Birmingham police got the motorist out of the truck and gave him first aid until more fire medics arrived to transport him to the hospital. "You've always got to be ready, even on your off day,'' Sullivan wrote.
BFRS spokesman Capt. Harold Watson said the department is proud of Sullivan and all firefighters.
"Firefighters respond to your need even when off duty,'' Watson said. "There are no true days off when you are a firefighter."